UW Safety Budda Baker Casts Large Shadow in Secondary

University of Washington Safety Budda Baker stands 5’10”, but he casts a large shadow in the defensive secondary

The University of Washington Husky defense stood out last year in the NCAA. The team ranked 16th in the nation in yards allowed, but ranked eighth in the nation for points allowed. On one hand, the performance of that Husky secondary played a large role in the defense.  And furthermore, Budda Baker, a 5-foot-10 180 pound safety for the University of Washington had a large role in that defense.

On the other hand, the size of Budda Baker does not scream “big thumper” as an NFL safety. But do not judge this safety in height alone.

NFL Combine

Today, over 300 NFL hopefuls are attending the National Combine at Indianapolis Indiana. Once there, defensive backs agree to many forms of measurement, quantifying, and ranking. At the NFL Combine, the player is weighed, timed, interviewed, evaluated, and reps counted. Since the 2017 combine class into four groups, today the initial measurements of defensive backs are being recorded.

Right now, that wingspan will cause some who never watched Baker play to pass him by.  That would be a mistake.

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Production Points

In 2016, Baker accounted for 70 tackles in 14 games, plus tacking on five passes defended, two interceptions, and three sacks for the Huskies. But more than just on field production, Baker and the entire Husky secondary stepped up after the team’s leading pass rusher, Joe Mathis, was injured after the sixth game.

Bear Goggles On

Budda Baker is not passive. He attacks the ball. As soon as his eyes makes contact with the ball, whether ball carrier or pass receiver, Baker launches at the object with focused eyes and solid balance.  He does not leave his feet, or become a helmet leading missile. Instead, he hits with his shoulder and drives through the ball carrier.

But if he smells a chance to get the ball, he will get the ball. Whether interception, causing a fumble, or knocking a pass away, Baker gets it done.

NFL Teams need solid defensive backs, and Budda Baker will rise on the draft boards of many NFL Teams. You see, despite the shine of the opposing teams brilliant wide receivers, few remained bright in the shadow of Budda Baker.

Next: UW Wide Receiver John Ross III Can Fly

He stands 5-foot-10. But he casts a huge shadow over the secondary. In the end, Budda Baker plays as large as that shadow.